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Proverbs 18 (AMP)

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¹ HE WHO willfully separates and estranges himself seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment. ² A fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself. ³ When the wicked comes in , he becomes a contemptuous despiser , and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach. ⁴ The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters , and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream . ⁵ To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the righteous of justice, is not good. ⁶ A fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating. ⁷ A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself. ⁸ The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body. ⁹ He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide. ¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe, high and strong. ¹¹ The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit. ¹² Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor. ¹³ He who answers a matter before he hears the facts--it is folly and shame to him. ¹⁴ The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear? ¹⁵ The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge. ¹⁶ A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. ¹⁷ He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him. ¹⁸ To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders. ¹⁹ A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and contentions separate them like the bars of a castle. ²⁰ A man's self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied . ²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it . ²² He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. ²³ The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly. ²⁴ The man of many friends will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.